While escorting a utility company to a residence in the town of Hundred, a man attempted to assault Hundred Police Chief Clay Lunceford with a knife and a firearm.
Wetzel County 911 dispatch received a call for assistance from Lunceford and Wetzel County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene with Sheriff James Hoskins. The suspect had barricaded himself inside his home and refused to communicate with officers on the scene.
The Wetzel County Sheriff’s Special Response Team was activated and responded to the scene along with State Police. After making several attempts to communicate with the suspect through family members, State Police Cpl. Jeff Shriver was able to establish a negotiation with the suspect and was able to convince the suspect to exit the house.
He was then taken into custody by members of the SRT without injury.
A search of the residence revealed a loaded .22 caliber rifle and several knives within reach of the window from which the suspect was talking to Cpl. Shriver.
The suspect was an elderly male who has a history of mental illness and was transported by emergency medical services to Hillcrest in Wheeling to await mental hygiene proceedings.
The sheriff’s office would like to credit the outstanding job by Cpl. Shriver and the SRT for bringing this dangerous situation to a successful resolution without injury to the suspect or bystanders.
Sheriff Hoskins would also like to thank the Hundred EMS and fire department for their assistance in traffic control at the scene.